IPv6 evolution, stability and deployment

Abstract

Our subject focuses on IPv6 network, which develops for more than 10 years. How IPv6 evolve in those years? Is IPv6 network mature enough to undertake the load produced by users? Can we find some principles to guide IPv6 deployment, which make the whole network more robust and efficiency? This paper tries to answer these questions with in-depth statistics. Good news is that network is growing at a speed of O(d2) (d is time) after 2006, moreover, network itself and its routing system become more and more stable. And we explore special properties of this preliminary network, We find that distribution of AS degree follows "Power-Law Distribution", but AS-level topology cannot be described as "Small-World Model" properly. We also propose a method to define the importance of AS and give a simple principle of IPv6 deployment. We even build "6Stats Project"[1] to provide data which help deploy IPv6.